Two-time GRAMMY winner Taj Mahal, one of the most influential American blues and roots artists of the past half-century, will embark on a nationwide tour in the final months of 2008 in support of Maestro, his September 30th release on Heads Up International. Maestro, Taj’s first U.S. recording in five years, marks the 40th anniversary of his rich and diverse recording career by mixing original material with chestnuts from vintage sources and newcomers alike. Guests on this anniversary gala include Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley and others – many of whom have been directly influenced by Taj’s music and guidance.

Two-time GRAMMY winner Taj Mahal, one of the most influential American blues and roots artists of the past half-century, will embark on a nationwide tour in the final months of 2008 in support of Maestro, his September 30th release on Heads Up International. Maestro, Taj’s first U.S. recording in five years, marks the 40th anniversary of his rich and diverse recording career by mixing original material with chestnuts from vintage sources and newcomers alike. Guests on this anniversary gala include Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley and others – many of whom have been directly influenced by Taj’s music and guidance.

Much more than just a tribute to past glories, Maestro captures the same level of intensity and depth that has characterized every one of Taj’s recordings since his self-titled debut album in 1968. Simply put, four decades have done nothing to dilute his energy quotient. “The one thing I’ve always demanded of the records I’ve made is that they be danceable,” he says. “This record is danceable, it’s listenable, it has lots of different rhythms, it’s accessible, it’s all right in front of you. It’s a lot of fun, and it represents where I am at this particular moment in my life.”

Taj’s live show is a reflection of that same rhythm, accessibility and fun that characterize the new recording.

Thu Sept 25th Napa, CANapaValley Opera House

Fri Sept 26th Redding, CA Cascade Theater

Sat Sept 27th Arcata, CA Van Duzer Theatre

Sun Sept 28th Bend. OR Tower Theatre

Thu Oct 2nd Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre

Fri Oct 3rd Tarrytown, NYTarrytownMusic Hall

Sat Oct 4th TBA

Sun Oct 5th WashingtonD.C. Duke Ellington Jazz Festival

Thu Oct 9th Oberlin, OH Finney Chapel at OberlinCollege

Fri Oct 10th Chicago, IL Morse Theatre

Sat Oct 11th Chicago, IL Morse Theatre

Sun Oct 12th Minneapolis, MN Fitzgerald Theater

Wed Oct 15th Missoula, MT University Theater

Thu Oct 16th Idaho Falls, IDIdaho Falls Performing ArtsCenter

Fri Oct 17th Boise, ID Egyptian Theatre

Sat Oct 18th Salt Lake City, UT The Depot

Sun Oct 19th TBA

Tue Oct 21 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre or Fox

Wed Oct 22nd Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern

Thu Oct 23rd TBA

Sat Oct 25th San Francisco, CA The Fillmore (Featuring Phantom Blues Band and Special Guests)